Crime, Violence and the State in Latin America

Jonathan D. Rosen and Hanna Samir Kassab explore the linkage between weak institutions and government policies designed to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and violence in Latin America. They use quantitative analysis and case studies to highlight the challenges governments face and the role of external criminal actors. The book offers policy recommendations and lessons learned.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In this comprehensive text,Jonathan D. Rosen and Hanna Samir Kassab delve into the intricate relationship between weak institutions and government policies aimed at combating drug trafficking, organized crime, and violence in Latin America. Employing quantitative analysis, they examine criminal violence and utilize publicly available survey data from the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) to conduct regression analysis. Through individual case studies on Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, they highlight the significant challenges that governments face and the diverse responses they have adopted to address various security concerns.

Rosen and Kassab then shift their focus to the role of external criminal actors in the region, offering policy recommendations and lessons learned. Key questions explored include:

What are the primary trends in organized crime in this country?

How has organized crime evolved over time?

Who are the major criminal actors?

How has state fragility contributed to organized crime and violence (and vice versa)?

What has been the government's response to drug trafficking and organized crime?

Have such policies contributed to violence?

This text is particularly relevant for undergraduate and graduate courses in criminal justice, international relations, political science, comparative politics, international political economy, organized crime, drug trafficking, and violence. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics that shape these issues in Latin America, offering valuable insights for students and scholars alike.

Weight: 285g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367529451